§ 5.00.00. Generally.

5.00.01.

Purpose.

A.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide requirements for the landscaping and buffering of developments and for the protection of existing trees in all zoning districts, in order to enrich the urbanized and natural environment of Henry County.

B.

General requirements for landscaping a development site are set forth in section 5.01.00. Requirements for landscaped buffers are set forth in section 5.02.00. Requirements for the protection of trees are set forth in section 5.03.00.

C.

It is the intent of the county to reduce the adverse visual, environmental, and aesthetic effects of development in order to:

1.

Minimize the rate of stormwater runoff;

2.

Maximize the capability of groundwater recharge in urban or suburban areas;

3.

Increase air filtration and the removal of particulate and gaseous pollutants through plant materials;

4.

Provide shade and noise attenuation;

5.

Filter and reduce the glare of headlights and reflected sunlight from parked automobiles onto the public street rights-of-way and adjacent properties;

6.

Improve the appearance of parking areas and vehicular surface areas; and

7.

Minimize the visual blight created by large expanses of paved surface area.

5.00.02.

Applicability and provision of landscape plans.

A.

The requirements of chapter 5 shall apply to all properties to be used, developed, or redeveloped within the county, except as may specifically be exempted in subsection 5.00.02.C., below.

B.

In order to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this chapter, a landscaping plan shall be submitted with applications for development approval for all development subject to these standards. The requirements and procedures for submittal, review, and approval of all applications are set forth in chapter 12.

C.

The following types of development are exempt from the requirements to provide a landscaping plan:

1.

Single-family dwellings;

2.

Duplex buildings; and

3.

Applications for accessory uses, accessory structures, or temporary uses.

5.00.03.

Maintenance requirements.

A.

All landscaped areas shall be maintained to ensure that plant materials are healthy and thrive. Any diseased or dead plant materials shall be replaced as soon as reasonably possible based on the growing season, but not later than six (6) months following identification of the need for replacement.

B.

Necessary trimming and maintenance shall be performed to maintain the health of the plant materials, to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and to assure that the landscaped and buffer areas serve the intended purpose.